Bentley Kyle Evans is a successful television creator, writer, and producer who has built a strong name for himself in the world of comedy. Born in Oakland and raised in Los Angeles, he grew up near the heart of the entertainment industry. After attending Westchester High School, Evans knew he wanted to work behind the camera. His first break came with a small acting role in House Party (1990), but it was writing and producing that truly called him.
Evans got his big start writing for the hit sitcom Martin, where he later became showrunner. That experience helped him understand what it takes to build a TV show that connects with real people. He followed it up by co-creating The Jamie Foxx Show, which ran for five seasons. After years working in traditional studio systems, he founded his own company, Harvest Studios. This gave him more creative freedom and led to projects like Love That Girl!, Family Time, and In the Cut.
Throughout his career, Evans has focused on telling relatable, character-driven stories. He writes every day, stays grounded through activities like golf and pickleball, and believes in finishing work rather than chasing perfection. His success didn’t come overnight. It came from consistency, learning from failure, and building platforms instead of waiting for them.
Today, Bentley continues to create content that reflects real life and community while showing others how to succeed with creativity, ownership, and focus.
A Q&A with Bentley Kyle Evans
How do you define success today compared to when you were just starting out?
When I first started, success meant getting a show on the air. That’s it. I thought if something got picked up, I made it. Now, it’s more about creating work I stand behind and that connects with people. I’ve had projects that were popular but didn’t feel like mine, and smaller ones that really meant something. Today, success is ownership—of your time, your vision, and your voice.
What has been one of the most unexpected lessons you’ve learned on your path to success?
That failure doesn’t always look like failure. I’ve had pilots that didn’t get picked up and shows that ended too soon. At the time, I thought I missed my shot. But those “failures” led me to start my own production company. If those shows had worked out, I probably wouldn’t have taken that step. Sometimes the thing that feels like a loss is actually setting you up for better control later.
You’ve worked with major talents like Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx. What makes a collaboration successful?
Listening. I’ve always believed comedy is about rhythm—and that rhythm comes from people, not scripts. On Martin, we’d adjust entire scenes based on Martin’s timing. With Jamie, it was about trust. If you respect the talent and let them shape their character, you get something better than what was on the page.
What habits have helped you stay consistent over the years?
I write every day. That sounds simple, but it’s a game changer. I don’t always feel inspired. But by sitting down and putting something on paper—anything—I stay sharp. Also, I rewatch classic sitcoms. That helps me remember the roots of what makes a good story: pacing, chemistry, and heart.
How do you handle setbacks, like a show not getting renewed or losing a deal?
I go outside. I play golf or pickleball. I give myself space to not think about it for a bit. Then I look at what I can learn. I once had a project die in the final stages. It stung. But when I looked at the script a year later, I saw why it didn’t work. It taught me to slow down and tighten things up before getting too far ahead.
How important has ownership been in your success?
It changed everything. When I was creating for networks, I had to go through layers of approvals. When I created Love That Girl! and Family Time under Harvest Studios, I could move faster and more honestly. It gave me the power to tell stories that felt closer to home. Plus, I could hire the people I believed in. That ripple effect is part of success too.
What role has education played in your journey?
I didn’t go the traditional film school route, but I studied constantly. I learned by doing. Being on sets like House Party taught me more than a class could. I paid attention to everything—lighting, blocking, script rewrites. If you’re always learning, you’re always growing. That’s education too.
Have you ever had to unlearn something on your way to success?
Definitely. I had to unlearn the idea that you only get one shot. In this business, there’s always another chance—if you’re ready. I used to stress over missed opportunities. Now I focus on what I can create today. That mindset shift helped me keep moving.
What do you tell young creators who want to break in today?
Don’t wait for permission. Make something—even if it’s small. I’ve seen people spend years chasing a perfect script. But a short video with good characters can open the same doors. Build your own table. The tools are out there now. And when you’re ready, show your work to people who’ll be honest—not just supportive.
Key Learnings:
- Success isn’t about one big win—it’s about control, consistency, and creative ownership.
- Failure often leads to reinvention and can push creators toward greater independence.
- Writing daily, even in small doses, helps maintain long-term focus and growth.
- Listening deeply in collaboration leads to better storytelling than strict control.
- Young creators benefit more from creating finished work than chasing perfection.